In 2012 the City of Allentown held a monumental milestone – its 250th anniversary, or Sesquicentennial. Like our nation, our city has grown and changed during its long history. From a small village along Trout Creek to the third-largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allentown has evolved from a small outpost to a major metropolitan hub.Allentown has always played a significant role in the history and growth of our nation. We have been the protectors of the Liberty Bell and the First Defenders of the Republic. Our city has a proud history as an industrial and retail powerhouse that helped build America, put it on the road, clothed it and helped it communicate in new and innovative ways.

Even today, as we enter a new millennium, the City of Allentown remains on the cutting edge of business and technology; a regional leader in culture, arts, sports and entertainment; a proud community eager to build an even brighter future on a solid past according to our political leaders. In 1962, our civic and business leaders came together to create a memorable Bicentennial Celebration that included an enriching variety of community events and commemorative ceremonies that still live in the memories of those who were part of that celebration. May the celebrations of 2012 stay alive in the memories of those who were part of that celebration.

Meanwhile, Lehigh county’s actual Bicentennial birthday was on March 6, 2012. Organizers carried out a two-day community celebration that took place the weekend of March 10 and 11 at the Allentown Fairgrounds Agri-Plex facility. The celebration involved a multitude of community groups, churches, youth organizations and historical societies with displays, exhibits and cultural entertainment on the county’s rich history, which included a variety of ethnic foods and beverages.

In recognition of Lehigh County’s own “Fourth of July” there was fireworks, a short parade and some entertainment. Organizers sought to achieve a star studded event as the Bicentennial Committee launched a Lehigh County Hall of Fame, inducting a class of living honorees who either were born, worked or lived at one time in Lehigh County.